Michael Aldous
Im a business historian with an interest in understanding how the ownership, organisation, and leadership of firms effects the performance of firms and industries, and the wider impact on economies and societies.
Recently I have investigated the historical evolution of firms involved in international trade and business in the 19th century. This research focused on how choice of organizational form effects firm performance, and implications for understanding globalization.
Currently Im working on a Leverhulme Trust grant investigating British CEOs in the 20th century, examining factors such as personality traits, career progression, and networks, on firm performance.
I have published in leading business and economic history field journals including The Journal of Economic History Review, The Economic History Review, Business History Review, and Business History
Service to the BHC
Prizes and Grants from the BHC
Recent Conference Participation
| 2026 BHC Meeting:
Chair, Extractive Industries, Governments and the Co-creation of Environmental Governance |
| 2025 BHC meeting:
Presenter, "Do CEOs matter in the long run? British CEOs in the twentieth century"
|
| 2024 BHC Meeting:
Presenter, "The Economic Consequences of the War: The transformational effects of the Great War on the British corporate elite"
Chair, The Role of Colonial Capitalism in Empire-Building |
| 2024 BHC Meeting:
Presenter, "Paper 4"
Chair, The Role of Colonial Capitalism in Empire-Building |
| 2023 BHC Meeting:
Presenter, "Amateurs to Fat Cats? British CEOs in the 20th Century"
Chair, Industry Dynamics Discussant, Industry Dynamics |
| 2023 BHC Meeting:
Presenter, Roundtable Presentation
Chair, Industry Dynamics Discussant, Industry Dynamics |
| 2022 BHC Meeting :
Presenter, "Remaking the Bengal market in the 1830s - Mercantile Responses to Financial Crisis"
Discussant, Entrepreneurial Networks |